THE BOY WHO THOUGHT OUTSIDE THE BOX: THE STORY OF VIDEO GAME INVENTOR RALPH BAER
Written by Marcie Wessels. Illustrated by Beatriz Castro. Published by Sterling Publishing.
Part of the People Who Shaped Our World Series
available now
Crazy about Wii, Nintendo, X-Box, and PlayStation? Meet the inventor whose work made them all possible: Ralph Baer, creator of the first home video game system!
Today, the video game industry keeps growing, with ever more platforms available to fans. But how did the very first system come about? This picture-book biography of Ralph Baer, whose family fled Nazi Germany for the US, introduces kids to a great inventor AND the birth of the first home console. Using wartime technology, Baer thought outside the box and transformed the television into a vehicle for gaming; Baer's invention, the Odyssey, is a direct precursor to the Atari gaming system. Today, interactive systems like Wii and PlayStation are descendants of Ralph’s innovative “Brown Box,” making this award-winning inventor the true “Father of Video Games.”
“Marcie Wessels' book The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box is a charming, positive, and creative work, which wonderfully frames Ralph's life, spirit, sense of wonder, and creativity. It is heartwarming to see Ms. Wessels’ positive piece of work, as it not only reflects on a life well lived, but additionally, gives inspiration and motivation to those who will be creating and inventing our world of tomorrow. It's fitting that this book, which is part of Sterling's People Who Shaped Our Lives Series, aptly sets the stage in a supremely positive manner for those 'who will be shaping' our lives in the future.” - Mark W. Baer, Son and Trustee of the Ralph H. Baer Trust
“A personable and energetic introduction with a positive message.” - Kirkus Reviews
“[Baer’s] effort and commitment to bringing his ideas to fruition is abundant throughout the story, as is the reality of experiencing rejection from critics and disbelievers. Illustrator Castro provides colorful depictions of Baer and his inventions, skillfully representing each era’s clothing, hairstyles, and decor. The book can be a starting point for social studies units involving historical events and specific eras. A gentle introduction to a passionate inventor’s incredible impact on our culture. Young gamers will get a kick out of their beloved systems’ humble beginnings.” - School Library Journal
“Wessels’ clear, flowing text provides a bounty of information on Ralph’s life, inspiration, and thought process, detailing his contagious excitement and thoughtful perseverance. A nice portrait of a lesser-known inventor whose work has had a tremendous influence on our modern-day world.” - Booklist
A Bench for Ralph
ralph BAER memorial BENCH
On May 10, 2019, I traveled to Manchester, NH to attend the unveiling and dedication of the Ralph Baer Memorial Bench, located in Arms Park in Manchester, NH.
Why a bench?
Ralph Baer was sitting on a bench, waiting for a bus, when he wrote up the design documents outlining his TV gaming idea.
ralph’s workBENCH at the SMITHSONIAN MuSEUM
Ralph Baer donated his video game test units, production models, notes, and schematics to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2006. His papers are kept in the Museum's Archives Center. In 2014, the Museum collected his workshop to become the landmark object for its Innovation Wing. Pictures courtesy of Rubin Pfeffer.
RALPH’S WORKBENCH AT THE STRONG MUSEUM OF PLAY
Would you like to see the workbench from Ralph’s home in Florida? It’s on display at The Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, NY.
MEET THE AMERICAN WHO…
Ralph Baer was recently featured on Meet the American Who on Fox News! Check out Kerry J. Byrne’s compelling feature to learn more about The Father of the First Home Video Game.